Everyday objects that can affect your cardiovascular health, according to science

Enjoying good health is quite difficult for some people, due to the fact that many of them have poor eating and lifestyle habits, which directly affect their health. For example, in the case of the cardiovascular system (heart and circulatory system), factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and obesity lead to cardiovascular disease, according to the Spanish Association of Cardiology Nursing.

According to research titled "Exposure to phthalates from plastics and cardiovascular disease: Global estimates of attributable mortality and years of life lost" and published in the journal eBioMedicine , there are some everyday objects that could affect cardiovascular health. See more: The Wallet: The hidden costs of living alone as a young adult

Phthalates are " a group of more than 80 synthetic chemical compounds used in numerous industries as plasticizers ," reports the Conasi portal.

The study reveals that plastic-related chemicals " contribute significantly to cardiovascular mortality in the 55-64 age group , highlighting an under-recognized but critical environmental health issue ."

See more: Yes, naps are beneficial: How long they should last, depending on what you want to strengthen​ The global burden of exposure to DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) — a human-made chemical used to soften plastics , especially PVC, making them more flexible, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry — " especially in vulnerable populations, demands immediate regulatory action to mitigate these risks ," the research indicates. See more: Cheaper? Tricks to get cheaper flights this holiday season, according to AI

In this regard, they point out that global cardiovascular mortality could decrease, particularly in regions facing the greatest burden of cardiovascular disease from DEHP, if " exposure to phthalates is reduced through regulatory interventions ."

What products contain this substance?

Some of the products containing the substance analyzed (DEHP) in the investigation are:

- Toys: Especially those made of flexible PVC.

- Shower curtains: Vinyl shower curtains often contain DEHP.

- Garden hoses: Many PVC garden hoses use DEHP to give them flexibility.

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- Vinyl upholstery: Furniture and other items upholstered with vinyl may contain DEHP.

- Building materials: Tiles, wall coverings, and vinyl flooring may contain DEHP.

- Rainwear: Some rainwear made of PVC may contain DEHP.

- Food packaging: Although its use in food packaging is declining, DEHP has been used in some plastic food packaging.

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